Mote Marine Laboratory Students Work to Protect Coral Reefs

Coral reefs along the Florida Keys are in trouble - with
problems such as the long-term threats of runoff pollution, overfishing,
invasive species, coral diseases and warming seas, and sudden disturbances like
heat waves and hurricanes. However, these reefs are a vital part of the local
community; responsible for more than 70,000 local jobs and worth approximately
$6 billion to the local economy. Participants in Mote Marine Laboratory's Research-based
After School Program for Students are part of our next generation of
scientists, and they are excited to learn all they can about their local
ecosystem and do their part to preserve it. These students are working hard to
protect corals through research and community outreach! They know that one of
the most critical things required for coral to thrive is healthy water, and
this November, they've begun to monitor local water quality conditions as part
of the EarthEcho Water Challenge. Students first practiced (very carefully!)
collecting their samples without introducing additional dissolved oxygen, then
tested all the parameters they've been learning about. Today, everything looks
healthy! Students were particularly relieved to find normal pH and nitrate
levels, considering the potential for some very unhealthy conditions due to
post-Hurricane Irma debris and runoff. As we enter winter, the students predict
that corals will be less stressed thanks to cooler water temperatures. Just to
be sure, they will continue to monitor their local waters, and spread the word about
all they've learned!